Established in 2005 with the mission of improving the mental health and well-being of adolescents in Northern Sydney, KYDS Youth Development Service provides a range of easily accessed, responsive support services for young people who may be struggling to cope, plus an accompanying suite of early intervention programs with a preventative focus.
KYDS team of specialist adolescent counsellors and psychologists provide around 2,500 free, confidential, one-to-one counselling sessions each year for young people. Using proven clinical methods, they help teenagers understand and learn to cope with issues such as grief, loss, family breakdowns, bullying, anger, abuse, school and study stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. In addition, some 3,000 – 4,000 young people are reached in school and community settings annually, with practical, small group workshops covering topics such as respectful relationships, cyber safety, bullying, exam pressure, school transitions, body image and self-esteem.
Suicide is the largest single killer of young people in Australia. For each completed suicide there are many, many more attempted suicides, many of which result in permanent physical injury. All completions, all attempts, leave families, friends, communities shattered in the aftermath.
Through the generous support of the James N. Kirby Foundation, KYDS has been able to fit out and equip additional counselling space, enabling more young people to meet with a specialist counsellor, sooner. When a young person reaches out for help, it is vital that help is quickly received, and easily accessed.
By increasing KYDS’ physical capacity for counselling, the James N. Kirby Foundation has ensured more young people are able to receive the support they need to go on to brighter, fulfilling futures.
Felicity McDonnell
Business and Funding Manager